February 26, 2013
Second-hand book stores in Cape Town
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape’s most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City’s fabulous theatres.
Bikini Beach Books in Gordon's Bay is a treasure trove of second-hand books. Photo courtesy of Laura McCullagh
Nothing turns my pages quite like a marvellous second-hand bookstore and in inspirational Cape Town, there are plenty to keep me happy.
As fantastic as Kindles, Nooks and iPads are, there is nothing the feel of a book in your hands and it is for this reason that having a plethora of great second-hand bookstores in the Mother City is such a joy.
Join me at the following bookstores in Cape Town and rediscover the wonder of reading:
Tommy’s Book Exchange
I spent many happy years at this Long Street gem as a child (thanks to parents who were even bigger book-lovers than I am!) and although the store has diminished in size over the years, it is no less magical.
From novelisations of your favourite TV series to works of your most beloved horror, romance and thriller authors, you’ll find them all at Tommy’s.
Location: 130 Long Street, Cape Town
Contact: +27 (0)21 424 7675
Help the Rural Child Trust
This delightful Southern Suburbs store is a two-storey nirvana of fiction, cookery, spirituality, children’s books and more.
Best of all, I can indulge my book-buying obsession with a clear conscience as each purchase helps to support the Catholic Welfare and Development ‘s charity programmes.
Location: 6 Victoria Road, corner Main Road, Mowbray
Contact: +27 (0)21 689 8392
Website: www.cwd.org.za
CAFDA Book Store
Yes, there is more to Claremont than partying at Tiger Tiger and shopping until you drop at Cavendish Square.
Spend your hard-earned cash at this worthy little literature mecca on the likes of Wilbur Smith, Patricia Cornwell, Nora Roberts and more.
Location: Shop P, Cavendish Square, Cnr Cavendish & Warwick Streets, Claremont
Contact: +27 (0)21 674 2230
Website: www.cafda.org.za
The Book Shoppe
Pop by this charming little store in Tokai for your mint-condition contemporary fiction and non-fiction, and enjoy your new find with a sweet treat at the Tokai Arboretum's Tea Room.
Location: Tokai Junction Centre, corner of Main Road and Tokai Road, Tokai
Contact: +27 (0)21 713 1528
Bikini Beach Books
Need a great book to read while sunbathing on Bikini Beach in gorgeous Gordon’s Bay? Then you can’t go wrong with this quaint seaside bookstore.
Housed in the former The Oleanders residential hotel, Bikini Beach Books is a fascinating labyrinth of novels, poetry, historical ledgers, biographies and more at really affordable prices, and also boasts interesting decor and a resident ginger cat who might or might not want to help you with your reading requests.
Location: 41 Beach Road, Gordon’s Bay
Reading books is a pastime best enjoyed with a great cup of coffee or tea. Check out our top tea and coffee shops.
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